Cook votes to raise Troops Wages

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today voted for the annual national security bill, which maintains benefits for active duty service members and assures the readiness of our troops. The bill now moves to the Senate and will then be sent to the President.

Most importantly, the bill provides a 2.1% pay increase to our men and women in the US Armed Forces. This will reduce the widening pay gap created by the President, who unilaterally cut the pay raise in each of the previous three years. The bill also prevents further cuts to the Basic Allowance for Housing, which provides service members with housing compensation based on housing costs when government quarters are not provided. It also protects military health care by making no changes to out-of-pocket costs for the current force or retirees.

This year’s bill also takes the necessary steps to restore military readiness: It stops the reduction of military forces at a time of new and greater threats to our nation. It addresses shortcomings in Marine Corps aviation readiness, allowing for more training hours for pilots and much needed maintenance to rapidly aging aircraft. It increases the number of training rotations that will come through the National Training Center at Fort Irwin and fully funds depot-level maintenance, such as the type provided by Marine Corps Logistics Base-Barstow.

Rep Cook said, “This year’s bill makes substantial enhancements to military readiness while also ensuring we’re taking care of our troops and our veterans. It gives our troops the pay raise they deserve, while ensuring we aren’t raising costs on retirees or those currently in the force.”

Will the City Council “Bite the Bullet”or let outside legal experts sue the city?

Share with: There is a time for all seasons. It is the season for the city of Twentynine Palms to comply with AB 182, California Voting Rights Act of 2001. Councilmember Joel Klink, Danny Mintz and John Cole are facing a dilemma they never thought that they would face. If they are smart, they will “Bite the Bullet” and discontinue AT LARGE ELECTIONS. Outside legal forces have singled-out the small and remote city of 29. Traditionally, legal forces bringing these law suits have targeted bigger cities, but they chose Twentynine Palms for good cause. City Manager FranK Luckino understand...